FAQ

BACKGAMMON RULES

What is a single game?

Winning a single game is a fast type of a game between the players decided over one round. Whoever wins the game, wins the stake previously set and approved by both players.

Am I going to receive a notification message prior the start of the tournament?

All participants of the tournament who are logged in and have the lobby open, are going to receive two notification messages about the start of the tournament. UltimateRoll sends the first message 30 minutes prior the start of the tournament, and the second one just 5 minutes before the start.

What is a bye? Why I automatically advanced to the next round of the tournament?

Usually the number of players that participate in a tournament is higher than the minimum required. In most cases this higher number of participants causes difficulties in the process of creating the duels and following the tournament format later on.

For example when the minimum number of participants is reached but is not enough to fill a bracket sheet (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128... participants), special virtual “players” are created in order to fulfill the rest of the empty spots in order the tournament to reach a specific bracket sheet. These are called “byes” and are randomly assigned to some players. Therefore, a “bye” is a free pass to the next round without having to play in round 1. For example, if the minimum required number of joined players for a tournament is 16 and at the moment of the start there are 28 participants, a 32-player bracket sheet will be used, but four players will receive a “bye”. Since this is done randomly, the luckiest four players will advance directly in round 2. The other 24 players will have to play in round 1.

Why am I disqualified from the tournament?

When playing in a regular or a sit & go tournament, if you are disconnected from the game for more than 5 minutes (problem with Internet connection, operating system or similar), then you are automatically disqualified from the tournament regardless of the game board status.

I was in the middle of a tournament when I got disconnected and could not reconnect. Does this mean I lose the participation from the tournament?

When disconnected from a game (for any reason), you have a total of 5 minutes to reconnect and continue with the game. Otherwise you lose the game (or match) and also the tournament you are participating in.

What is a match game?

Winning a match is decided over playing a number of games one after another until one of the players first accumulate the required points needed for winning the match. A match is played to a specified number of points (wins), negotiated between the players prior the game. The maximum length of a match is 21 points. Points are awarded in the usual manner: one for a single win, two for a gammon win, and three for a backgammon win. When the doubling cube is used, the total number of points the player wins is calculated by multiplying the value of the doubling cube with the number of the points won by the type of the win.

What is the goal of the game?

The only goal is according to the numbers of the dice to move your checkers around the board into your home board and bear off the checkers first in order to win the game.

Which player goes first at the beginning of the game?

Before the game starts there is an initial first roll which has a special purpose. Both players roll just a single die in order to determine who will start the game first. Player with the higher number goes first.

How are the checkers moved around the board?

The roll of the dice indicates how many points the player can progress by moving the checkers towards the home board. Both players move the checkers in the opposite direction to end in the home quadrat or the home board.

There are two ways of moving the checkers. First one allows it to drag and drop a checker to the appropriate point (position) according to the number of only one die or the total number of both dice. The second way is a bit simpler, and the player only needs to click the checker that wants to be played and by default it will automatically move to the appropriate point using the higher number of the dice. If this number is not allowed for playing, then the checker will move according to the lower number of the dice.

For example, if you throw a pair of dice and you have 3 and 5, then when you click on a checker, it will be moved for 5 positions (the higher dice). If this is not possible (that point is already occupied by the opponent) then the checker will be moved according to the lower number (3 positions). If none of the positions are allowed, then you should try moving some of the other checkers.

Can I move a checker to any point on the board?

A checker can be moved only to an open point not occupied by your opponent, point occupied with own checkers or a point occupied by a single checker by the opponent.

How many checkers can I have on a single point?

You can place as many checkers as you want on a single point, although that will make you troubles finishing the game later on.

Can I land on a single checker belonging to my opponent?

Absolutely, most of the time you are going to do this (if there are not any consequences by doing it). This is called hitting a blot (single checker on a point) and once it is done, the opponent’s checker is placed on top of the bar. Anytime, you hit an opponent’s blot is a huge advantage for you, since your opponent has to enter this checker back into your home board (extra moves for playing).

What do I do when my checker is hit?

Any time you have one or more hit checkers on the bar, the first requirement is to enter back these checkers into the opponent’s home board so you can continue with the game. You cannot move any of the checkers on the board until all of the hit checkers are returned back into the game. The first six opponent’s point numbers are used when you need to enter a hit checker into the game. According to the numbers of the rolled dice, the checker that was hit can be placed onto an open point, point already occupied with you own checker or a point on which there is only a single checker of your opponent (blot).

What should I do when I move all of the checkers into my home board?

After you place all fifteen checkers into your home board, you are allowed to start bearing them off. Since each point has a specific number starting from one to six, you are allowed to bear off the checkers from the points that correspond to the numbers of the dice.

Can the checkers be bear off in any order?

There are certain rules that dictate the order in which the player bears off the checkers inside the home board. Since each point has a specific number starting from one to six, the player bears off the checkers from the points that corresponds to the numbers of the dice. If there are not any checkers placed on the points indicated by the dice, the player has to move some of the other checkers (preferable from the highest points). If the only points occupied by checkers are lower than the numbers rolled, then the player is allowed to bear off checkers from the next highest point down. Finally, the player is under no obligation at any given time to bear off checkers if there is a possible legal move. Therefore, it is up to the player to choose what to play.

Do I get extra bonus for winning a match with more points than actually required?

There is no bonus in a match play for winning with more than the required number of points. The goal is to win the match, therefore the additional points of the victory does not reflect in getting an extra bonus rating points or fun money.

What is a single win?

The winner gains a single win if the defeated player managed to bear off at least one checker.

For example, if the doubling cube has not been used, then the winner gets 1 point. On the other hand if the doubling cube has been used and the last doubling state of the cube was 4, then the winner gets 4 points.

What is a gammon win?

The winner gains a gammon which corresponds in a double win, if the defeated player has not managed to bear off not even a single checker at the end of the game.

For example, if the doubling cube has not been used, then the winner gets 2 points. On the other hand, if the doubling cube has been used and the last doubling state of the cube was 4, then the winner gets 8 points.

What is a backgammon win?

The winner gains a backgammon which corresponds in a triple win, if the defeated player has not managed to bear off not even a single checker and still has at least one checker in the opponent's home board.

For example, if the doubling cube has not been used, then the winner gets 3 points. On the other hand, if the doubling cube has been used and the last doubling state of the cube was 4, then the winner gets 12 points.

Can I pass when it's my turn?

No. Anytime it is your turn you have to play the numbers of the dice. The only time when you do not move your checkers is when there are not free points for moving the checkers according to the numbers of the dice.

What happens if I roll doubles?

I you roll doubles, then both numbers of the dice are played twice. For example, if the dice show up number 3, you have to play this number four times.

What is a doubling cube and how is it used?

Doubling cube is a cube which is a bit larger than a regular die and has 6 sides, containing the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. It is not just a regular die, but a special one with values that change the initial stake set prior the game or increases the points for a single win in a match play. At the beginning of the game the doubling cube is placed in the middle of the left bar, and afterwards it changes the location on the bar according to the player who is using it. When the game starts, the starting number of the cube is 64, which means that the initially set rules for the game are used between the players. In this situation both players are allowed to make a doubling offer.

What the doubling cube offers, is speeding up the process of the game when playing a match or increasing the initial stake when playing a single game. During the course of the game, when a player feels that has a sufficient advantage over the opponent, may propose a doubling offer. The first initial doubling is two (twice the initially set up stake or two points for a win in a match play). This can be done only at the start of the own turn, before the dice are rolled. In a situation like this, the opponent must either accept the offer or resigns the game automatically with the current value of the cube. Whenever a player accepts the offer, the doubling cube is moved to his/her side of the board with the new number (value) facing up and only he/she is allowed to make the next double.

In a match play using the doubling cube can really speed up the tempo of the game. For example if the match play is set for a length of five wins, then two doublings of the cube sets a total win of four points. This means that when the player wins the game actually wins four points simultaneously.

When can I use the doubling cube?

Only under the following conditions a player can use the doubling cube:

The option for using a doubling cube is allowed during the negotiation process of the game rules between the players prior the game
The auto-roll function is disabled from the settings
When Crawford's rule is not applied
The doubling cube is in the middle of the table
The cube is on the player’s side
The game limit of the game is set higher than the initially specified stake
Winning the match requires at least a couple of points for any of the two players

Why cannot I make a doubling offer?

The reason why you cannot make a doubling offer is because the limit (stake or length) has been reached. For example, you play a match in 8 wins (points) and the score is 0-0. When you start the doubling process with your opponent, once the doubling cube reaches 8, the option for doubling becomes unavailable, since there is no point in doubling anymore, because whoever wins the game, wins the match.

What does the “resign” feature do?

When a player intentionally acknowledges a defeat by making an offer for ending the game. The offer of the resign can be for a single game, a gammon or a backgammon. The opponent must accept the offer in order the game to end.

I made a resign offer to my opponent. Why have I won instead of losing the game?

Anytime you try to resign a game (either by a normal, gammon or backgammon type of resign) and your opponent do not do anything within the time available in his/hers global timer (your opponent is on turn), you win the game. The number of points you win depends on the momentary position of yours and opponent’s checkers on the board, as well as the value of the doubling cube (in case it was used).

What is a pip count?

Pip count is the total number of pips (point moves) a player has to play, in order to move all the checkers into the home board and bear them off. The initial pip count at the beginning of the game is 167. Smaller the number, closer to winning the game.

What is Crawford rule?

The Crawford rule is a standard backgammon rule which optionally could be applied only in a match play. The Crawford rule states that if one player is just one point away from winning the match, then neither player may offer a double in the game that follows. This one game without a possibility of using the doubling cube is called a Crawford game. Once the Crawford game has been played, and if the match has not yet been decided (the trailing player had won), the doubling cube becomes available again from the next game.

MATCH TO 5 WINS	WHITE	BLACK
Game 1: Black wins 2 point	0	2	Doubling allowed
Game 2: White wins 2 point	2	2	Doubling allowed
Game 3: White wins 1 point	3	2	Doubling allowed
Game 4: White wins 1 point	4	2	Doubling allowed
Game 5: Black wins 1 point	4	3	Crawford game
Game 6: Black wins 1 point	4	4	Doubling allowed
Game 7: White wins 1 point	5	4	Doubling allowed

DA JA SREDIME PO RAZBIRLIVO TABELAVA, KOE KAJ DA STOI

In this example the “White” and “Black” players are playing a 5-point match (series of best in five). Right after the fourth game, White has 4 points which is just one point short of winning the match. Therefore in the fifth game the Crawford rule is active and no doubling is allowed for both players. If the trailing player wins (like in game 5), than the doubling cube becomes available again from the next game (game 6).

In other words, this is why the Crawford rule is very important when playing a series of games or a match. Let suppose that a player is just one point away from winning a match. From the opponent's point of view there is nothing to be lost so he/she could double the game regardless of his/hers checker’s position and real chances of winning the game. For the trailing player it is the same if losses by 1, 2, 4 or any other number of points. This means that if one player is just one point away from winning the match and the other is three points away (like in the previous example, after game 4) then they will essentially be in the same position, more or less. The trailing player can double the game and by winning the game, evens the score. The leading player gains nothing from the doubled game and the trailing player is taking no risk by doing it. By using the Crawford rule in situations like this, it is not reduced the hard earned advantage that the leading player should have at the end of the match.

What does the Beaver rule?

A rule used only in a money play and never in a match, which allows a player who accepts a double, immediately to offer a redouble (beaver) and at the same time retain a possession of the doubling cube. In a situation when a player makes a beaver, the opponent has two options. If the redouble is accepted, the game continues with a quadruple stake prior to the double, but if the beaver is rejected, then the opponent resigns the game with the current doubled stake.

For example, let’s suppose that the doubling cube is in the center of the bar and player1 doubles the stake. Player2 accepts the double and (the cube is facing up the number two) immediately redoubles the stake. If player1 accepts the redouble, the cube (facing up number 4) stays at player’s 2 side and the game continues, otherwise player 1 loses the game by two points. Player 2 still owns the cube which means only he/she can make a double offer in any future turn.

This rule is optional, so both players must agree prior the game in order for this option to be available during the game.

Can I redouble and keep the possession of the doubling cube at the same time?

Yes, it can be done by using a special rule called “beaver”. Prior the game in the negotiation process for the game rules just enable the beaver option.

Note: This rule is only available in single games with limit higher than the stake.

What happens if I am in a middle of a game and my Internet connection fails?

You must to return within the next 5 minutes, otherwise you lose the game (or match/tournament).

How long can I be disconnected from an active game/match/tournament before I lose?

Sometimes you might have problem with your Internet connection or your computer, so you might get disconnected from the active game. What you should keep in mind is that you are allowed to be disconnected from the game for a maximum time of 5 minutes. It does not matter how many times you are going to disconnect/reconnect. All that matter is the total time of being disconnected, which should never exceed more than 5 minutes. After that, you automatically are losing the game, the match or are getting eliminated from the tournament in which you are participating in.

How come I lost the stake money when I got disconnected from the game?

When you play with fun money, the maximum allowed time for being disconnected from the game is 5 minutes. If by any reason you get disconnected from the game and do not return before the allowed away time of 5 minutes count down, you lose the game and also all the money used as a stake.

Be careful, when the doubling cube is used, the total number of points (money) the player losses is calculated by multiplying the value of the doubling cube with the number of the points won by the type of the win.

Also, if at the moment of the disconnection from the game, the position of the checkers are placed so you are way behind the opponent’s progress, you might even lose a gammon or a backgammon game.

Every now and then because of Internet connection problems I get disconnected from the server. Why sometimes I lose more points (two, three or more) instead of just one?

How many more points you lose instead of one when get disconnected from the server depends on many factors. For example, if at the moment of the disconnection from the server your opponent is already bearing off checkers, but you still have not bear off even one checker, then you lose by a gammon (two points). If you have checkers inside your opponent’s home board, then you lose a backgammon game (three points). If this rule does not apply, then anytime a player is about to lose badly by gammon or backgammon, can just logout or close the window (disconnect from the server) and lose one point instead of two, three or even more if the doubling cube has been used.

On the other hand, sometimes a doubling offer can be a factor for losing more points than expected. If your opponent offer you a double, then it is your turn to accept or reject, which means that your timers start counting down while you are making a decision. For example, if you lose connection to the server before you make a choice and do not come back within 5 minutes, you automatically lose the game, but in this case you lose by two points. Therefore, once your opponent sends you a double offer and you do not do anything within the time available of your timers, then you lose as same as you have accepted the double. For example, if the doubling cube is 2 and your opponent sends you a double request (the doubling cube should become 4), but suddenly you get disconnected from the server, right after the timers count down, you lose four points or even more depending on the position of your and opponents’ checkers on the board.

What is Gul Bara?

Gul Bara is a variant of the standard backgammon game. Different names are also used for this game such as “Rosespring Backgammon” or “Crazy Narde”. This is the second game when two players play all three games (Backgammon, Gul Bara and Tapa) in a match of three wins or more, in rounds one after another. Gul Bara is very popular in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Azerbaijan, but is also played in other countries too.

What is Tapa?

Tapa is a variant of the standard backgammon game. Different names are also used for this game such as “Plakoto” or “Mahbousseh”. This is the third game when two players play all the three games (Backgammon, Gul Bara and Tapa) consecutively in rounds, one after another in a match of three wins or more. Tapa is very popular game in Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Syria, but is also played in other countries too.

What is a regular tournament?

A regular (scheduled) tournament has a fixed starting date and time set, which is listed in the tournament section. The only condition for the tournament to start on the specific date and time is the minimum required number of players that must be joined. Once this predefined number for joined players is reached, the tournament starts on the specific date and time, otherwise the tournament ends.

What is a Sit & Go tournament?

A Sit & Go tournament has an upfront specified number of players which must join in order for the tournament to start. There is no specific date or time set, therefore the only condition for the Sit & Go tournament to start is the minimum number of players to be reached. Once this predefined number for joined players is reached, the tournament starts immediately.

How does a tournament function?

Tournaments are played at a fixed price. A player deposits a predefined stake and if the player’s rating is within the tournament rating limit, then the player reserves (buys) a place and joins the tournament. Every round half of the players advance to the next one. In addition, the tournament is played until a player wins the finals. Usually, just the first three places win a prize.

How the tournament competition goes? What does the round name mean?

Depending on the number of active players left in the tournament, the appropriate round will be used.

Example for a tournament with 128 (or more) participants.

Number of active players	Round name
2	Finals
4	Semi-finals
8	Quarter-finals
16	4th round
32	3rd round
64	2nd round
128	1st round

Note that, the Finals, the Semi-finals and the Quarter-finals as rounds must exist in a tournament. This is because the minimum allowed number of players in a tournament is 8.

The number of rounds depends on the number of players participating in the tournament. If 32 players participate in a tournament, then there will be two rounds before the Quarter-finals starts. If 128 players participate in a tournament, then 4 rounds need to be played before the Quarter-finals starts.

There is also additional round for a third place called Mini-finals.

How do I enter a tournament?

Participation in a tournament is very easy. You can join a tournament by doing the following steps:

Open the main lobby.
Click the tournament tab from the main menu.
When the tournaments are displayed, join the tournament you prefer.

Furthermore, in a special box right of the box where the tournaments are displayed, you have an additional information about each tournament, which can help you to choose the most interesting one for you.

Why can’t I join a specific tournament?

Some tournaments for participation have limitations regarding the rating points and the buy-in. This means that sometimes you will not be able to join a tournament because your rating is higher or lower compared to the allowed one. For example, if you cannot enter a tournament that has a rating limit of “<1700”, then your rating is 1701 or higher. In this tournament can participate only players that have maximum rating of 1700 points or less. On the other hand, sometimes you will not be able to join a tournament, because you will not have enough money for the initial buy-in.

Anyhow, anytime there is a reason why you cannot join a tournament, a message will be displayed in the tournament lobby, right after pressing the “Join” button.

Why can’t I unjoin a tournament?

You are allowed to unjoin a tournament at latest 24 hours before the tournament start time. You cannot unjoin a tournament if the starting time is in the next 24 or less hours.

FACEBOOK

Can I switch in a middle of a game from playing on the webpage into playing on a Facebook?

Yes, you definitely can, but it is not recommended, since during the reconnections you might lose an additional time from the timers per turn and game (you are also allowed only five minutes to be disconnected from the game before losing it).

GETTING STARTED/TECHNICAL ISSUES

What are the minimum system requirements for being able to play the UltimateRoll backgammon?

Since UltimateRoll does not use software for playing the game, but it is a flash based application, there are not any requirements. All you need is a web browser which supports flash. For most enjoyable playing experience we suggest you use Google Chrome.

On which operating systems can I play?

The UltimateRoll game is a flash based application and allows you to play it on any web browser without any additional applications previously installed on your computer. Therefore, you can run the game on any operating system. This way the users more easily can play the game, and most important of all, from any operating system (Windows, Macintosh, Linux, etc). Since there is no need for downloading and installing a special software for playing the game, all that users have to do is open the UltimateRoll website and start playing the game directly from there.

What do I need to do in order to start playing backgammon at UltimateRoll?

Click the “REGISTER NOW” button on the home page and enter your personal information. Confirm your account by means of an automatically generated email which you will receive after submitting. Right after the activation you are ready to play at UltimateRoll by using your username and password.

Can I use an email address in the registration form which was previously used for other account?

The email is a unique feature for every account, therefore UltimateRoll does not allow one email address to be used for multiple accounts. If the registration process is not successful because of the email address that you are entering, it means that the email address you are trying to use has been previously used and is already in our database of users. You can either use the previous account that is mapped to this email address, or create a new account by using a new email address.

After registration I did not receive an activation email from UltimateRoll. How can I activate my account?

Immediately after submitting the registration form, you are going to receive an automated email from UltimateRoll with a link that activates your account. From the email you are using (Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft, etc), depends how the activation email from UltimateRoll will be treated. Some emails can treat our activation email as a Spam. Therefore, if you cannot find the activation email in the inbox, check the spam or junk folder. From there you can open the email, click on the appropriate link and activate your account.

If you do not see this email in the above mentioned email folders, then do not hesitate to contact our support team at support@ultimateroll.com, which will help you activate your account.

Can I have more than one account?

Absolutely not. Only one account per player is allowed.

Why do I have $1000 when I create my account?

When you create your account you are given $1000 (fun money) by default. Your initial money balance is displayed in the top right hand corner of the web page as well as in the lobby.

I received “Incorrect username and/or password” message during logging in. What is wrong?

You are entering a combination of a username and password which does not exist in our database of users. Therefore, make sure that you have entered the correct username and password. Moreover, note that both of these are case sensitive, so you may need to check if the Caps Lock is turn on/off.

I forgot my password. What should I do?

If you have forgotten your password, click the “Forgot your password” link from the homepage in order to change it. If you are unsuccessful in retrieving your password or have forgotten your email address, do not hesitate to contact our support team at support@ultimateroll.com, which will help you with this issue.

I know my password, but I do not remember my username. What should I do?

In order to find out what is your username, you have to click the “Forgot your password” link in the top right hand corner of the homepage. Once you do that, you are going to receive an email which will contain your username and also a link to change your password. After you update your password, you can log in with the old username and the new password.

Can I change the email address?

In the account manager there is no option for changing the initially entered email in the registration form. The email has a special meaning and is uniquely mapped to your account once it is created.

Is there a history of all played games and tournaments in which I had participated?

In the account manager there are two tabs, one for showing the history of all the games played and the other one for the tournaments in which you had participated so far.

Why the lobby of the game does not open?

Since UltimateRoll is a flash based application, when you try to open the lobby, your browser will find it as a pop-up. Usually, by default browsers do not allow pop-ups, so you are going to receive a message that says that you must allow the pop-up from UltimateRoll in order to open the lobby. This means, in order to be able to open the lobby window, you must allow UltimateRoll as a pop-up. Once you do that, you will not have any problems next time with opening the lobby.

Furthermore, depending on the web browser you are using, the steps for enabling pop-ups will defer. In most cases this option can be done in Tools/Properties, but again, this is a browser dependent, so please go to the official web site of the browser you are using and find the appropriate steps for allowing pop-ups.

If you have any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact our support team at support@ultimateroll.com.

Why the game does not start?

Since UltimateRoll is a flash based application, your browser will find the game window as a pop-up when you try to open it. Usually, by default browsers do not allow pop-ups, so you are going to receive a message that says that you must allow the pop-up from UltimateRoll in order to open the game window. This means, in order to be able to start the game, you must allow UltimateRoll as a pop-up. Once you do that, you will not have any problems next time with starting (opening the game window) the game.

If you have any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact our support team at support@ultimateroll.com.

HOUSE RULES

What are the general table rules?

An inadequate conversation as a foul or offensive language will not be tolerated. Spamming and advertising during conversations is unacceptable as well. Therefore, UltimateRoll has the rights to temporary of permanently suspend a user who behave not according to the house rules.

How should I behave when playing a game?

Same as in poker, where it is not allowed to talk about your hands in a manner that could influence the decisions of the remaining players, you should follow the same rule with the backgammon. You must not reveal the forthcoming actions before the game is over, as well as giving advice to other players. By doing that you are decreasing the chances for a win.

While playing I got insulted from the opponent. Are there any penalties for such behavior?

UltimateRoll does not allow inappropriate language or cursing between players in the chat. In a situation like this, the players will be warned about their behavior, however if they continue the same way, appropriate measures will be taken against these players. UltimateRoll retains the right to decrement rating points, fun money balance, suspend the player or even delete the account from the database.

INSIDE THE GAME

Can I play in full screen?

Yes, in the top right hand corner of the game window just click the icon (square with an arrow) for a full screen. Once you do this, the game window will immediately open in full screen.

What are the white dots that appear on the edges of the board anytime the cursor of the mouse is over a checker?

These dots are called helpers and are especially helpful for beginners. After you turn the dice, just move the cursor of the mouse over a checker and the helpers will show you the point(s) on which you can possibly move that particular checker according to the dice rolled. If no helpers are displayed, then according to the numbers of the dice rolled there is no available play for that checker.

This option (“HELPERS”) is enabled by default.

Why the doubling cube suddenly become unavailable during the game? What happened with the “double” button?

When the option for using the doubling cube is enabled prior the game, the cube can be used by both players during the game. Sometimes, at some point in the process of doubling between the players, if the limit or the length of the game is reached by the current value of the cube, the option for doubling become unavailable (the “double” button and the doubling cube are frozen). Since the initial limits for stake or length are already reached and there isn’t an extra bonus for a win with higher values than the initially allowed maximum ones, there is no point in using the doubling cube anymore.

Can the sound effects of the game be disabled?

Yes, from the settings inside the game just disable the option (“SOUND EFFECTS”) for the sound effects.

This option is enabled by default.

Is there an option to disable the time reminders?

Anytime you feel that you do not need to be reminded when both timers (per turn and the global) are passing by, from the settings just disable the option (“TIME REMINDERS”) for using the time reminders.

By default this option is enabled.

Can I mute the sound for the chat?

Yes, just disable this option (“MUTE CHAT”) in the settings.

What is “auto done”?

By enabling this option, after you play your last move your turn is automatically finished and there is no need for clicking the “done” button. You can enable/disable this option (“AUTO DONE”) in the settings.

What is “auto roll”?

An option that allows the dice to be automatically rolled after your opponent finishes the turn without any need for clicking the “roll” button. You can enable/disable this option (“AUTO ROLL”)in the settings.

What is “auto bear off”?

An automatic process for bearing off checkers, once all of them are in the home board. If there is no option for bearing off a checker, then you have to manually make a play to an available point. You can enable/disable this option (“AUTO BEAR OFF”) in the settings.

LOBBY

How can I mute the sounds from the lobby?

At the upper right hand corner of the lobby, inside the box for personal information (username, balance and rating) there is a sound icon for the sound that can be enabled or disabled according to your preferences.

How can I change a room?

Inside the lobby there is a special box where you can choose the room in which you want to participate. There are fifty available rooms you can choose from, each one allowing a maximum of a 100 games created inside.

Can I filter the games in the lobby according to stake, limit, length, etc?

Yes, in the lobby there is a dropdown menu which contains four types of filters (Stake/Limit/Length/Speed), and also there are multiple predefined sub-filters for each. By using these, you can easily find the game that best suits your needs.

For example if you want to see only the games that have a “fast” timer type, then you have to select “Speed” from the dropdown menu and then choose “Fast” from the predefined sub-filters. Then you are going to see only the games using a fast timer.

Can I arrange the games in alphabetical or numerical order inside the lobby window?

Yes, just click on the specific column for which you want to do the ordering, and all the games will order accordingly.

For example, if you want to see the games which have a very small stake (limit), than you just have to click on the column “Stake (Limit)” which will arrange the games starting from the lowest stake to the highest or vice versa on a second click.

I want to play the variants. How do I switch between the standard backgammon game and the variants?

In the lower left hand corner of the lobby there are two buttons for changing the type of games you want to be displayed in the lobby screen. Anytime you click the “Standard Game” button, only standard backgammon games are going to be displayed. On the other hand, by clicking the “Standard + Variants” button, the two variants (Gul Bara and Tapa) will be displayed. Also, here will be displayed match games where all three games are included (the standard backgammon game and the variants).

How to create a game with own rules?

In order to create a game with own rules, just click the “START NEW GAME” button in the lobby which will display a window where you can specify the desired settings for the game.

Why the doubling cube option is unavailable when creating a game?

The option for using the doubling cube during the game is available only when the value of the limit of the game is higher than the stake, or when the length of the game is higher than just one game.

Why the Crawford’s rule option is unavailable when creating a game?

The Crawford’s rule is available only in a match game when the doubling cube is used. If these two requirements are fulfilled, then the option for using the Crawford’s rule becomes available and can be enabled or disabled according to the needs.

Why the beaver option is unavailable when creating a game?

The requirement for the beaver option to be available, first, the limit of the game must have a higher value than the stake, and second, the option for using the doubling cube to be enabled.

Why can’t I create a game?

Anytime the maximum allowed number of tables (games) is reached for the specific room you have entered, you will not be able to create a game. Therefore, you can wait some of the games to finish so an empty space frees or you can change the room with another one that has smaller number of created tables inside.

MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

I do not know how to play the variants. Is there a tutorial for learning the rules of the games?

Yes. You can read more on the rules how to play the variants by clicking here. (link do stranata za variants)

What should I do in order to start a backgammon game?

Once inside the lobby, there are two ways to start a game. The first one is to create a game by clicking the “START NEW GAME” button in the lobby, specify the rules that you prefer for the game and wait an opponent to join your game. The second way is join another player’s game. You can do this by clicking the "Join player" button next to the name of the player who has created the game.

Is there an option to create a game with my own settings?

Yes, you just have to click the “START NEW GAME” button in the lobby and specify the settings that you prefer for the game.

How do I know if my potential opponent changed the game terms while negotiating the game rules?

Before starting a game you must first negotiate with your opponent the rules for the game you are about to play. If your opponent makes a change it will be displayed in the negotiation window, so you know there has been modification of something. All the parameters in the negotiation window that are changed are displayed with a red color with the new values set and also in the bottom of the window there is a textual message about them.

How many games can I create?

You are allowed to create a maximum of five games.

How do I join a game in the lobby?

Once you enter the lobby you will see a list of many created tables (games). Look at the game information regarding the amount of stake, limit, length, etc and select the one that suits you best by clicking the “Join” button.

Why can't I view any tables (games) in the lobby?

There might be multiple reasons why you are experiencing such issues. One reason can be the room that you have entered. Sometimes, there are rooms that are empty and do not have any games created (probably there are not any players in the room), therefore, all you have to do is to change the room. On the other hand, if you experience the same thing for multiple rooms, then you have to check the game filters in the lobby, because maybe you have selected a filter that does not allow any of the available tables in the room to be displayed. All you have to do is to adjust the filters or select “all” for every filter type which will display every single game (table) that exists in the room.

How many games can I play simultaneously?

You can play in up to five games simultaneously, either created by you or by your opponent.

Which game modes are available for playing?

There are three game modes in the lobby you can choose from:

Single / Match
Sit & Go tournament
Regular tournament

From the menu inside the lobby you can choose between these three modes and select the one you want.

How much time do I have per turn?

How much time you have in order to finish your play depends on the type of the timer that has been chosen in the negotiation process. Therefore, according from the timer you choose, you are going to have different time per turn and also per game (global timer). There are four timer modes that players can choose from:

Timer type	Time per turn	Time per game
Slow	40 seconds	4 minutes
Normal	30 seconds	3 minutes
Fast	20 seconds	2 minutes
Blitz	10 seconds	1 minute

*If type not changed when creating a game, by default the normal timer is used.

What is a global timer?

Anytime you spent all the time from the timer per turn, then the global timer (with extra time on in) begins to count down. If you run out of time on your global timer, you lose the game. The length of the global timer depends on the type of the game speed selected in the negotiation process between the players prior the game.

What are rating points and how they are calculated?

The rating points are used as a measurement for the player's skills. Depending on the rating points, the player belongs to a different category. Each category has a different color as a representation for the skill level of the player. For any game a player wins, he/she receives an appropriate number of rating points. Similarly, if a player loses a game, he/she loses a certain amount of the rating points. Most importantly, the ratio of how many rating points a player gains/lose and how many rating points an opponent gains/lose not always match, since the calculation depends from many factors.

UltimateRoll uses a modified FIBS rating system. (da nosi do fibs: http://www.fibs.com/ratings.html#explained)

How is the player’s skill evaluated?

For every win you make your rating increases, and for every loss the rating points are decreased. The number of points you win or lose depends from many factors such as opponent’s rating points, stake or length set for the game, etc. When you create an account your initial rating is 1500. There are multiple ranges of points which represent the skills for each player. The rating colors are displayed in the lobby.

DA GI STAVAM BOITE OVDE, OTKAKO KE SE RESHI KOI KJE BIDAT

1800+ - crveno krugche
1700-1799 – zolost
1600-1699 – ljiljakovo
1500-1599 – plavo
0-1499 - zeleno

Where can I see which tournaments I have joined?

Click the “Tournaments” button from the main menu of the website and you will see all the upcoming tournaments. There will be a yellow arrow in front of every tournament that you have joined and participating in.

The same applies for the sit & go tournaments.

How I can be sure the dice throws are 100% random?

We use a random number generator for the dice, therefore anytime the dice are thrown the output is randomly generated.

You can see the Random Number Generator Certificate here. (pdf od sertifikatot koga kje go zememe)

How do I know if I am playing against a bot or real people?

DA NAPISHAM KAKO KJE FUNKCIONIRA OVA. KOLKU BOTOVI KJE IMA VO SOBA. DALI ISTITE KJE BIDAT VO SEKOJ SOBA. DALI KJE MOZE DA SE NAMESTAT POVEKJE SEKOJ SO RAZLICHNI PARAMETRI (KREIRANA PARTIJA). DALI KJE MOZE DA DOGOVARAAT PARAMETRI…

You have option to play against real people as well as against a bot.

UltimateRoll does not support playing against bots. The only way you can play on our website is by playing against real players/users. Moreover, you can chat with the opponents while playing, which is the best assurance that you are playing against real people.

Usually in reality the backgammon game and the two additional variants are played in a match, one after another. Is this possible at UltimateRoll?

Absolutelly YES. We offer playing the all three games (standard backgammon game and the variants) in a match game, something which is a very common practice between the players in the real life.

Can I play only the second (Gul Bara) or the third game (tapa)?

Yes, just click the “Standard + Variants” button in the lobby. Next, you can join a game from the list of many available games or you can create a game with your own rules.

I got disconnected from UltimateRoll. Is it my connection or there is an issue with the UltimateRill server?

Probably the reason for the disconnection is your Internet connection. UltimateRoll is hosted on a very secure server, so the chance of failing is almost impossible. Still, in a scenario where the server fails, you are going to be disconnected and will have to log in again.

I lost the game because I didn’t have enough time. Can the duration of the timers be changed?

Before the game starts, both players must agree on the timers which are going to be used during the game, so the game is timed and ensures that play proceeds at a reasonable pace. There are two types of timers, timer per turn and a global timer. The timer for each turn is the amount of time you have available to roll the dice and move your checkers. If you cannot finish your move during this time interval, then a global timer (with extra time on in) begins to count down. If you run out of time on your global timer, you lose the game.

Depending from the type you choose, you are going to have different time per turn and per game (global timer). There are four timer modes that players can choose from:

Timer type	Time per turn	Time per game
Slow	40 seconds	4 minutes
Normal	30 seconds	3 minutes
Fast	20 seconds	2 minutes
Blitz	10 seconds	1 minute

*If type not changed when creating a game, by default the normal timer is used.

How to invite a friend to UltimateRoll?

From the menu on the home page as well as in the lobby, just click the “Tell a friend” button which will display a form where you need to enter all the required information about your friends, and an invitation email will be send to them.

Can I earn money from inviting friends?

Of course you can earn money (fun money). All you need to do is to invite as many friends as possible and for each friend who registers at UltimateRoll, you will earn $5,000.

Is it possible to watch active games from other players?

Yes, just click the “Watch” button in the lobby for the specific game you are interested in.

Why I cannot watch a game from other players?

The game you are trying to watch is a private game which means external viewers are not permitted.

Which global time standard is using UltimateRoll?

We use the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) global time standard.

What happens when I lose all of my fun money?

You never run out of fun money. As soon as your fun money balance reaches the lower limit of $0 it automatically refills back to $1000.

Can I play in real money?

As of right now only playing in fun money is available. The option for playing in real money is coming soon.

I found a bug in the game. How can I reported it?

If you feel that part of the game or the UltimateRoll website is broken or not functioning as it normally should, we would love to know about it, so we can solve the issue as soon as possible.

From the menu on the home page just click the “Report a bug” button which will display a form where you need to enter all the required information about the bug that you have found inside the game, the lobby, on the web site, etc.

It is really helpful for our team and we really appreciate when you provide us with as much detail as possible about the bug you have found. That way we can better understand the reasons for causing the bug.

Where I can learn how to play the backgammon game?

You can learn about the rules how to play the backgammon game by clicking here. (link do backgammon school)

SUPPORT

Is there a possibility to contact the support team for advice while playing?

No, we only offer advice regarding technical problems, difficulties at registration and issues concerning your account.

What days and times is the support team available?

The support team is available Monday to Friday from 10:00am until 12pm GMT. It can be contacted via email at support@ultimateroll.com.

If I need help, how do I contact you?

If you cannot find a suitable answer to your question in the FAQ, do not hesitate to contact us at support@ultimateroll.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

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